Jeypore: If the proposed expansion plan is implemented, Jaypur city will be classified as a Red Zone due to the airport’s location within the city. According to the DGCA regulations, strict restrictions will be imposed, making it necessary to relocate the airport elsewhere. The residents of the affected area have strongly opposed the land acquisition process, expressing their unwillingness to vacate their homes and land.
Many locals have protested, stating that they will not accept inadequate compensation for the land being acquired for the airport expansion. Due to these disputes, the Gram Sabha (village meeting) for airport expansion ended amid concerns and uncertainties.
Mandatory NOC Required
Without a compulsory NOC (No Objection Certificate) and ensuring proper security arrangements, the DGCA will not grant permission for the airport within the city limits. Instead, officials are considering relocating the airport to a less socially disruptive location where fewer people would be affected.
The construction of the proposed airport has been delayed for 25 years, and due to administrative inaction, development in the region has been hampered. Landowners have also faced difficulties, as the government has neither granted them residential pattas (land titles) nor provided clear information about the project.
Many residents claim they purchased land 3 to 5 years ago for building homes, unaware of the government’s airport expansion plans. Now, they are unable to get housing loans since their land titles have not been regularized.
Villagers Strongly Oppose Land Acquisition
The Gram Sabha for airport expansion was held in Bankabija village, including residents from Bankabija and Ekamba villages. Locals such as Bipin Bihari Maharana voiced concerns that the Red Zone restrictions would affect their livelihoods. The administration has not provided any resettlement plans, leading to widespread opposition to land acquisition.
Authorities have proposed acquiring:
96.92 acres of government and private land,
10.90 acres from Umuri Panchayat’s Souraguda village,
61.47 acres of private land.
However, today’s meeting was only for collecting public opinion, and the final decision will be submitted to the government.
Airport Expansion Plan & Future Connectivity
If the airport expansion proceeds, 42-seater aircraft will be upgraded to accommodate a maximum of 80-seater planes. This will enable direct flights from Jeypore to Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam, significantly improving regional air connectivity.